Sportblog + Rafael Benítez | The Guardianhttps://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog+football/rafael-benitez
Indexen-gbGuardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. 2016Sat, 10 Dec 2016 01:44:37 GMT2016-12-10T01:44:37Zen-gbGuardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. 2016The Guardianhttps://assets.guim.co.uk/images/guardian-logo-rss.c45beb1bafa34b347ac333af2e6fe23f.pnghttps://www.theguardian.com
Jonjo Shelvey hitting high notes after Rafael Benítez tells it straighthttps://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2016/oct/20/jonjo-shelvey-rafael-benitez-newcastle-united-liverpool
The Newcastle midfielder has shed over a stone, as well as a ‘childish mind-set’, and is thriving under the guidance of the man who once took him to Liverpool<p>There was a time when Jonjo Shelvey appeared a big part of the problem at Newcastle United but these days he seems very much the solution.</p><p>Rafael Benítez had <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/mar/11/newcastle-united-sack-steve-mcclaren-rafael-benitez">barely succeeded Steve McClaren</a> as manager at St James’ Park last spring before he dropped the midfielder from the team. Despite <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/may/11/five-games-newcastle-relegation-premier-league">Newcastle’s fall into the Championship</a> Shelvey then began this season warming the bench and, when liberated from it, persistently attempting too many “Hollywood passes” and over-ambitious long-range shots.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/sep/13/qpr-newcastle-championship-match-report">Newcastle flying high as Jonjo Shelvey scores twice in mauling of QPR</a> </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2013/dec/20/jonjo-shelvey-swansea-city-interview">Jonjo Shelvey: 'Growing up it was rough, people were getting stabbed'</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2016/oct/20/jonjo-shelvey-rafael-benitez-newcastle-united-liverpool">Continue reading...</a>Newcastle UnitedRafael BenítezChampionshipLiverpoolFootballSportThu, 20 Oct 2016 11:00:35 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2016/oct/20/jonjo-shelvey-rafael-benitez-newcastle-united-liverpoolPhotograph: Serena Taylor/Newcastle Utd via Getty ImagesPhotograph: Serena Taylor/Newcastle Utd via Getty ImagesLouise Taylor2016-10-20T11:00:35ZRafa Benítez rues misses after Aston Villa hold Newcastle in fallen giants’ clashhttps://www.theguardian.com/football/football-league-blog/2016/sep/26/rafa-benitez-aston-villa-newcastle-championship-football
The first meeting of two Champions League-winning managers outside the top flight saw Newcastle display promotion credentials but Villa punished their profligacy and battled to a draw<p>When Newcastle United previously visited Villa Park, on the penultimate day of last season, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/may/07/aston-villa-newcastle-premier-league-report" title="">they drew 0-0</a> against the already relegated Aston Villa, slipping closer to the drop themselves as a result. Of the 11 United players who started that day, only two began here – Paul Dummett and Jamaal Lascelles – which says something about the level of turnover at the club over the summer.</p><p>Rafael Benítez may have come away with another point on Saturday – and, once more, a sense of frustration after his side missed a plethora of chances to add to Tommy Elphick’s first-half own goal only to see Villa’s Aaron Tshibola nod in an 89th-minute equaliser – but now there is a sense of a club beginning to return to the front foot after four years of back-pedalling.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/football-league-blog/2016/sep/24/football-league-your-thoughts">Football League your thoughts: Tammy Abraham scores again</a> </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/sep/24/aston-villa-newcastle-united-championship-match-report">Aston Villa rescue point against Newcastle with Aaron Tshibola strike</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/football-league-blog/2016/sep/26/rafa-benitez-aston-villa-newcastle-championship-football">Continue reading...</a>Newcastle UnitedRafael BenítezAston VillaChampionshipFootball LeagueFootballSportMon, 26 Sep 2016 08:00:25 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/football-league-blog/2016/sep/26/rafa-benitez-aston-villa-newcastle-championship-footballPhotograph: Alan Walter/ReutersPhotograph: Alan Walter/ReutersJohn Ashdown2016-09-26T08:00:25ZRafael Benítez unmoved by Newcastle’s struggles | Louise Taylorhttps://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2016/aug/16/rafael-benitez-newcastle-early-season-struggle
<p>The Newcastle manager is not panicking after his side lost their first two Championship matches and says he intends to bring in more players this month</p><p>Numerous former Newcastle United managers have bowed to the popular mantra about the club being constantly “a couple of defeats away from a crisis” but it is a perception Rafael Benítez refuses to buy into. Despite losing his first <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/aug/13/newcastle-huddersfield-championship-match-report">two Championship games</a>, he remains convinced the Rafalution will eventually see stability replace volatility at one of England’s best supported yet most underachieving outposts. Unfazed, the Spaniard has called for patience as he prepares for Reading’s visit to St James’ Park on Wednesday night.</p><p>After investing £45m on eight new players this summer – although £38m has been recouped from the sales of Gini Wijnaldum and Andros Townsend – the received wisdom was that newly relegated Newcastle and their Champions League winning coach would canter to the second tier title. They still might but those reverses <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/aug/05/fulham-newcastle-united-championship-match-report">at Fulham</a> and at home to Huddersfield have provoked a certain nervousness on Tyneside. Stumble again against Jaap Stam’s side and even Benítez’s composure would surely become a little ruffled. After all, when <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2010/apr/05/newcastle-united-promotion-premier-league">Chris Hughton led Newcastle out of the Championship in 2009-10</a> they lost only four league matches all season.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/aug/04/rafael-benitez-newcastle-long-haul-fulham">Rafael Benítez buckled in for long haul with Newcastle and wants more players</a> </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/aug/13/newcastle-huddersfield-championship-match-report">Newcastle United feel the pain as Jack Payne wins it for Huddersfield</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2016/aug/16/rafael-benitez-newcastle-early-season-struggle">Continue reading...</a>Rafael BenítezNewcastle UnitedChampionshipFootballSportTue, 16 Aug 2016 21:30:13 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2016/aug/16/rafael-benitez-newcastle-early-season-strugglePhotograph: Serena Taylor/Newcastle Utd via Getty ImagesPhotograph: Serena Taylor/Newcastle Utd via Getty ImagesLouise Taylor2016-08-16T21:30:13ZNewcastle: seven things Rafael Benítez needs to address in the Championshiphttps://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2016/may/25/newcastle-united-rafa-benitez-champinoship-seven-things
<p>From the players he needs to sign, to a possible training ground relocation, here are a few ideas to help Newcastle gain promotion at the first time of asking</p><p>Fulham’s Ross McCormack could not stop scoring – or creating – goals for a struggling side last season and as a deep-lying, wonderfully thoughtful forward he would be an ideal fit for Rafael Benítez’s preferred 4-2-3-1 system. Then there is Brighton &amp; Hove Albion’s Beram Kayal, a very good central midfielder and a strong character who knows how to tackle. The Israel international could prove an ideal replacement for Cheik Tioté. A left-back is urgently required so, should Hull City miss out on promotion, Andrew Robertson could fill a long-standing problem position at St James’ Park before looking right at home in the top tier.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/may/16/newcastle-andros-townsend-england-euro-2016-squad-roy-hodgson">Newcastle move pays off for Andros Townsend as he earns Euro 2016 chance</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2016/may/25/newcastle-united-rafa-benitez-champinoship-seven-things">Continue reading...</a>Rafael BenítezNewcastle UnitedFootballSportWed, 25 May 2016 21:48:23 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2016/may/25/newcastle-united-rafa-benitez-champinoship-seven-thingsPhotograph: Matt Bunn/BPI/REX/ShutterstockPhotograph: Matt Bunn/BPI/REX/ShutterstockLouise Taylor2016-05-25T21:48:23ZIf you want an example of hubris, look no further than Newcastle’s boardroom | Louise Taylorhttps://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2016/may/12/newcastle-relegation-championship-mike-ashley-board-rafael-benitez
The startling reality is that despite spending £80m on new players this season – only Manchester City invested more – Newcastle have still ended up in this mess<p>So John Carver was right after all. A little over a year ago Newcastle United’s interim manager claimed even a world-class coach would struggle at St James’ Park and, sure enough, Rafael Benítez has vindicated his theory.</p><p>When, two months ago, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/mar/11/newcastle-rafael-benitez-new-manager" title="">Benítez succeeded Steve McClaren,</a> he had 10 games to keep Newcastle in the Premier League and, justifiably, fancied his chances. Nine of those matches later – two won, three lost, four drawn – the Tynesiders are relegated but this costly tumble into the Championship is not remotely the Spaniard’s fault.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2016/may/11/sam-allardyce-sunderland-escape-route-everton-rafael-benitez">Sam Allardyce shows Sunderland escape route to spell doom for Newcastle | Louise Taylor</a> </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/may/11/newcastle-united-devastated-relegation-managing-director-lee-charnley">Newcastle ‘devastated’ by relegation, says managing director Lee Charnley</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2016/may/12/newcastle-relegation-championship-mike-ashley-board-rafael-benitez">Continue reading...</a>Newcastle UnitedRafael BenítezMike AshleyFootballSportThu, 12 May 2016 09:31:07 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2016/may/12/newcastle-relegation-championship-mike-ashley-board-rafael-benitezPhotograph: Ian MacNicol/Getty ImagesPhotograph: Ian MacNicol/Getty ImagesLouise Taylor2016-05-12T09:31:07ZRafael Benítez finds Newcastle’s heart to give Gallowgate renewed beliefhttps://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2016/apr/19/rafael-benitez-newcastle-united-hearts-gallowgate-manchester-city
After a season of dissent, the new manager has helped bring unity at just the right time – and Manchester City knew they had been in a fight in the 1-1 draw<p>The roar from the Gallowgate End, so conspicuous by its absence in recent times, could be heard in all its ferocity. Here was a reminder of what St James’ Park is supposed to sound like. Here was a reminder that a proud football club is about more than one man’s bottom line and spreadsheets.</p><p>Newcastle United’s supporters have had to put up with a lot this season and it is hardly a surprise their team have played most of their matches to a soundtrack of moans, gripes and apathy. Yet on an evening when toxicity would have been fatal, Newcastle were applauded off after boosting their survival chances by holding Manchester City to a 1-1 draw that leaves them two points behind Norwich City with four games left.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/apr/19/newcastle-united-manchester-city-premier-league-match-report">Newcastle’s Vurnon Anita snatches brave point from Manchester City</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2016/apr/19/rafael-benitez-newcastle-united-hearts-gallowgate-manchester-city">Continue reading...</a>Newcastle UnitedRafael BenítezManchester CityFootballSportTue, 19 Apr 2016 21:30:14 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2016/apr/19/rafael-benitez-newcastle-united-hearts-gallowgate-manchester-cityPhotograph: Richard Lee/BPI/REX/ShutterstockPhotograph: Richard Lee/BPI/REX/ShutterstockJacob Steinberg2016-04-19T21:30:14ZNature of Newcastle’s equaliser points to best attacking strategy to avoid drophttps://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2016/mar/20/newcastle-united-sunderland-rafael-benitez
Rafael Benítez’s side earn vital point against Sunderland by simple expedient of a well-directed cross to the head of their centre-forward Aleksandar Mitrovic<p>If Newcastle United secure Premier League survival, Rafael Benítez will look back and consider <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/mar/20/newcastle-united-sunderland-premier-league-match-report" title="">Aleksandar Mitrovic’s late headed equaliser</a> against Sunderland a crucial moment. The way the goal was created – the ball played to the flanks followed by a whipped cross – may point to Newcastle’s best strategy for their final eight games of the season.</p><p>Creating chances in that manner was not Benítez’s initial gameplan. He chose to change his side from <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/mar/14/leicester-city-newcastle-united-premier-league-match-report" title="">last Monday’s 1-0 defeat</a> by Leicester, bringing back Georginio Wijnaldum – Newcastle’s top scorer this season – to play in a deep midfield role alongside Jonjo Shelvey, in an attempt to control possession.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/mar/20/newcastle-united-sunderland-premier-league-match-report">Mitrovic rescues point for Newcastle in dramatic derby draw with Sunderland</a> </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/mar/20/sam-allardyce-goddamn-two-week-gap-sunderland">Sam Allardyce curses ‘goddamn two week’ gap between Sunderland fixtures</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2016/mar/20/newcastle-united-sunderland-rafael-benitez">Continue reading...</a>Football tacticsNewcastle UnitedSunderlandRafael BenítezPremier LeagueFootballSportSun, 20 Mar 2016 18:31:56 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2016/mar/20/newcastle-united-sunderland-rafael-benitezPhotograph: Richard Lee/BPI/REX/ShutterstockPhotograph: Richard Lee/BPI/REX/ShutterstockMichael Cox2016-03-20T18:31:56ZRafael Benítez is the real deal for Newcastle’s mission possible | Paul Wilsonhttps://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2016/mar/12/rafael-benitez-newcastle-united-mike-ashley
<p>Benítez has pedigree in England and it could be argued Newcastle do not deserve him but the Spaniard does not have a reputation as a firefighter</p><p>So is <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/mar/11/newcastle-rafael-benitez-new-manager" title="">Rafael Benítez the right man to rescue Newcastle</a> or is the former Liverpool manager out of his mind for even signing up to try? It is sad in a way that such an encouraging development at one of England’s great clubs can be presented with weary scepticism, yet there can be little doubt that Newcastle over the past few years have managed to make life as intolerable for their managers as they have for their supporters.</p><p>One could have readily understood Benítez taking up the 10-game option until the end of the season, not to see whether relegation could be avoided but to reassure himself first hand that the set-up under Mike Ashley was workable before committing himself long term. Benítez confirmed yesterday he has a has signed up for three years, though there is a break clause if the side is relegated in May.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2016/mar/11/rafael-benitez-newcastle-united-real-madrid">Rafael Benítez: the control freak who learned a painful lesson at Real Madrid | Sid Lowe</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2016/mar/12/rafael-benitez-newcastle-united-mike-ashley">Continue reading...</a>Rafael BenítezNewcastle UnitedFootballSportSat, 12 Mar 2016 20:04:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2016/mar/12/rafael-benitez-newcastle-united-mike-ashleyPhotograph: Serena Taylor/Newcastle Utd via Getty ImagesPhotograph: Serena Taylor/Newcastle Utd via Getty ImagesPaul Wilson2016-03-12T20:04:00ZRafael Benítez: the control freak who learned a painful lesson at Real Madrid | Sid Lowehttps://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2016/mar/11/rafael-benitez-newcastle-united-real-madrid
Newcastle United’s new manager stopped being himself at the Bernabéu and paid for it, and his re-emergence at St James’ Park speaks volumes for his addiction to coaching and love of the Premier League<p>If you are wondering why on earth Rafa Benítez would go to <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/mar/11/newcastle-rafael-benitez-new-manager" title="">Newcastle United from Real Madrid</a>, consider this: the last time he didn’t have a professional side to manage, he took over his local school team on the Wirral. “It was hilarious,” his wife, Montse, recalled. “He stood there on the touchline and shouted at them as if it was the first division, waving his arms around.” This is not just Rafa’s job, she explained, it is his “passion”; football manager isn’t what he does, it is what he is. “Take the pitch away from him,” she said, “and ...”</p><p>And there is nothing.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/mar/11/newcastle-rafael-benitez-new-manager">Newcastle appoint Rafael Benítez as new manager to replace Steve McClaren</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2016/mar/11/rafael-benitez-newcastle-united-real-madrid">Continue reading...</a>Rafael BenítezNewcastle UnitedLiverpoolReal MadridFootballSportFri, 11 Mar 2016 19:59:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2016/mar/11/rafael-benitez-newcastle-united-real-madridPhotograph: Owen Humphreys/PAPhotograph: Owen Humphreys/PASid Lowe2016-03-11T19:59:00ZRafa Benítez was not the solution for Real Madrid – he never had been | Sid Lowehttps://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2016/jan/05/rafa-benitez-carlo-ancelotti-real-madrid
<p>The manager’s frustration was that he should have been sacked doing something he believed in, not with somebody else’s boots on</p><p>Real Madrid’s president, Florentino Pérez, did not accept questions when he appeared at the Santiago Bernabéu to <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/jan/04/rafael-benitez-sacked-real-madrid-manager-zinedine-zidane">announce the sacking of Rafa Benítez and the appointment of Zinedine Zidane</a> on Monday night. Perhaps he thought there was nothing new to say. It is, after all, only six weeks since he called a press conference to denounce a “campaign” against the club and deny reports that he was contemplating making Benítez the 10th manager to leave during his presidency. Or maybe he just did not want to be asked any awkward questions, like: ‘Why?’</p><p>In March <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2015/mar/12/real-madrid-florentino-perez-sid-lowe">Pérez called a press conference to insist angrily that he was not going to sack Ancelotti</a> and to accuse the media of trying to “destabilise” the club. When, two months later, he announced the sacking of Ancelotti, he was asked why he was letting the Italian go; he had, after all, won the European Cup. “I don’t know,” Pérez said. In November he called a virtually identical press conference with the same accusations and the same message: Benítez had his total support. Six weeks later Benítez is the former manager. No one would be asking why this time.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/jan/04/zinedine-zidane-real-madrid-coach-rafael-benitez">Zinedine Zidane back in Real Madrid spotlight after spell in the wings</a> </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2016/jan/04/real-madrid-sack-rafael-benitez-surprise-so-long-sid-lowe">No shock Rafael Benítez was sacked but odd it took Real Madrid so long | Sid Lowe</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2016/jan/05/rafa-benitez-carlo-ancelotti-real-madrid">Continue reading...</a>Rafael BenítezReal MadridFootballGareth BaleCarlo AncelottiZinedine ZidaneCristiano RonaldoTue, 05 Jan 2016 09:51:45 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2016/jan/05/rafa-benitez-carlo-ancelotti-real-madridPhotograph: Getty ImagesPhotograph: Getty ImagesSid Lowe2016-01-05T09:51:45ZNo shock Rafael Benítez was sacked but odd it took Real Madrid so long | Sid Lowehttps://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2016/jan/04/real-madrid-sack-rafael-benitez-surprise-so-long-sid-lowe
The former Liverpool manager has finally been let go at the Bernabéu despite a creditable point against Valencia but the decision had been looming for some time<p>The banner was unfurled four minutes into the game and it was huge, stretching all the way along the stand on Calle Doctor Juan Reglá, big black letters on a white sheet. Rafael Benítez’s face was drawn at one end, smiling. “Rafa,” the message said, “you gave us the best days of our lives. Thank you.” As the fans held it up, they chanted his name and briefly he raised his hand. The supporters were on his side this time; the problem was that they were not Real Madrid’s fans; they were Valencia’s. Whistled at the Santiago Bernabéu, he was welcomed at Mestalla.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/jan/04/rafael-benitez-sacked-real-madrid-manager-zinedine-zidane">Rafael Benítez sacked by Real Madrid with Zinedine Zidane taking over</a> </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2016/jan/04/real-madrid-sack-benitez-zidane-takes-over">Real Madrid sack Benítez and Zidane takes over – as it happened</a> </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/jan/04/zinedine-zidane-real-madrid-coach-rafael-benitez">Zinedine Zidane back in Real Madrid spotlight after spell in the wings</a> </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/jan/03/gary-neville-stay-valencia-manager">Gary Neville says he wants to stay on as Valencia manager</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2016/jan/04/real-madrid-sack-rafael-benitez-surprise-so-long-sid-lowe">Continue reading...</a>Real MadridRafael BenítezLa LigaEuropean club footballFootballSportMon, 04 Jan 2016 20:40:32 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2016/jan/04/real-madrid-sack-rafael-benitez-surprise-so-long-sid-lowePhotograph: Daniel Ochoa de Olza/APPhotograph: Daniel Ochoa de Olza/APSid Lowe in Madrid2016-01-04T20:40:32ZRafa Benítez finds Christmas spirit in short supply after early return | Sid Lowehttps://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2015/dec/31/rafa-benitez-spain-real-madrid
The Real Madrid manager has just about kept hold of his job but came back from a festive break in England to find his future still top of speculative talk in Spain<p>Rafa Benítez flew back to Spain earlier than had been originally planned but at least he flew back at all. After a few days at home on the Wirral – his “bunker”, they called it, a place where spending Christmas became “going to ground”, the sneaky coward – he caught an EasyJet to Barajas. There the Real Madrid manager was pursued out of Terminal 1 by a reporter who rattled off questions, culminating with “Are you happy, Rafa, yes or no?” and passers-by shouted helpful advice. Helpful advice like: <em>leave</em>. “Happy holidays,” he repeated as he kept on walking, the smile lasting until he was safely inside the taxi. If you can ever be safe inside a taxi.</p><p>The president of the league, Javier Tebas, had urged everyone to live Christmas “the way it was lived in Bethlehem over two thousand years ago”, although Benítez could have been forgiven for living it in fear of the sack. He had been assured that his job was not in danger but the reports kept assuring him that it was and they were waiting for him when he got back. In his absence he had dominated the pages of the papers, along with the traditional Christmas stuff: from 28 December, Spain’s answer to April Fools’ Day, which had Gerard Piqué and Álvaro Arbeloa making up over lunch at a restaurant called The Cone, to the annual Catalonia-Basque Country friendly.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2015/dec/31/rafa-benitez-spain-real-madrid">Continue reading...</a>La LigaReal MadridRafael BenítezBarcelonaEuropean club footballFootballSportThu, 31 Dec 2015 20:27:12 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2015/dec/31/rafa-benitez-spain-real-madridPhotograph: Cesar Manso/AFP/Getty ImagesPhotograph: Cesar Manso/AFP/Getty ImagesSid Lowe2015-12-31T20:27:12ZChelsea keen to stand by José Mourinho but history shows their sackings workhttps://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2015/oct/28/chelsea-jose-mourinho-sackings-roman-abramovich
<p>There is no real appetite for change among the Chelsea hierarchy but mid-season removals of the manager have sparked upturns under Roman Abramovich</p><p>José Mourinho is working on the reasonable assumption Chelsea have changed. “I know the history of this club,” he had conceded this month. “Every time the results are not good, there was a change of manager. But when I was contacted to come back, I was told: ‘We had so many managers, and we know you are the best.’ So I think it’s time for the club to act in a different way, to mark a position of stability, a position of trust.” Where once the default was to mobilise the lawyers with compensation packages to discuss, and turn to an interim, now the Premier League champions are supposed to be about continuity.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/oct/28/jose-mourinho-chelsea-quality-performance-stoke">José Mourinho praises Chelsea’s quality effort despite defeat by Stoke</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2015/oct/28/chelsea-jose-mourinho-sackings-roman-abramovich">Continue reading...</a>ChelseaJosé MourinhoAndré Villas-BoasRoberto Di MatteoLuiz Felipe ScolariRafael BenítezAvram GrantRoman AbramovichGuus HiddinkWed, 28 Oct 2015 18:06:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2015/oct/28/chelsea-jose-mourinho-sackings-roman-abramovichPhotograph: Action Images/Getty/PA Wire/ReutersPhotograph: Action Images/Getty/PA Wire/ReutersDominic Fifield2015-10-28T18:06:00ZJosé Mourinho’s Benítez barb shows his propensity to overstep the mark | David Hytnerhttps://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2015/jul/29/jose-mourinho-rafael-benitez-wife-montse-diet-chelsea-real-madrid
When it comes to feuds, attack has always been the best form of defence for Chelsea’s manager, but he has periodically crossed the line and has done so again with his personal attack on arguably his fiercest rival<p>José Mourinho cannot help himself. Where his footballing enemies are concerned, he can bite his lip only so much. And when he perceives that one of them – or indeed, one of their spouses – has sent some sort of slur in his direction, the fall-out tends to be explosive.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/jul/28/jose-mourinho-rafa-benitez-inter">José Mourinho hits back with jibe about Rafa Benítez's weight</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2015/jul/29/jose-mourinho-rafael-benitez-wife-montse-diet-chelsea-real-madrid">Continue reading...</a>José MourinhoRafael BenítezChelseaReal MadridFootballSportWed, 29 Jul 2015 12:30:13 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2015/jul/29/jose-mourinho-rafael-benitez-wife-montse-diet-chelsea-real-madridPhotograph: Ira L. Black/CorbisPhotograph: Ira L. Black/CorbisDavid Hytner2015-07-29T12:30:13ZRafael Benítez leaves without handing Napoli his gift of the Champions League | Paolo Bandinihttps://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2015/jun/01/rafael-benitez-napoli-champions-league
Rafael Benítez is expected to join Real Madrid after a stay at Napoli that has seen the team go backwards rather than forwards<p>The champions had already been crowned, the runners-up confirmed and the three worst sides consigned to relegation. Only a few items of business remained to be resolved on Serie A’s final weekend. But there would be no shortage of drama.</p><p>It began on Saturday, with Luca Toni and Carlos Tevez lining up opposite one another at the Bentegodi. The Verona striker led his Juventus counterpart by a single goal at the top of the Serie A scoring charts and extended his advantage <a href="https://twitter.com/btsportfootball/status/604955692978421760" title="">by crashing the 22nd strike of his remarkable campaign beyond Gigi Buffon</a>. At the other end, Tevez had a penalty saved by the Verona goalkeeper Rafael, <a href="https://twitter.com/btsportfootball/status/604968636055490560" title="">who reacted by imitating Toni’s trademark ear-cupping celebration</a>.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2015/may/30/juventus-champions-league-final-serie-a">Europe’s grand old lady Juventus return to Champions League Final | Ed Vulliamy</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2015/jun/01/rafael-benitez-napoli-champions-league">Continue reading...</a>Serie ARafael BenítezNapoliLazioEuropean club footballFootballSportMon, 01 Jun 2015 11:07:37 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2015/jun/01/rafael-benitez-napoli-champions-leaguePhotograph: Carlo Hermann/AFP/Getty ImagesRafael Benítez was given a Neapolitan horn - to ward off the evil eye - on leaving Napoli, but has not necessarily seen the club progress during his spell in command. Photograph: Carlo Hermann/AFP/Getty ImagesPhotograph: Carlo Hermann/AFP/Getty ImagesRafael Benítez was given a Neapolitan horn - to ward off the evil eye - on leaving Napoli, but has not necessarily seen the club progress during his spell in command. Photograph: Carlo Hermann/AFP/Getty ImagesPaolo Bandini2015-06-01T11:07:37ZNapoli’s Rafa Benítez has his eyes on another final in Europa Leaguehttps://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2015/may/07/napoli-rafa-benitez-europa-league-semi-final-dnipro
The knockout specialist is in the last four again, and if Dnipro can be overcome over two legs the Spaniard will end Napoli’s 26-year wait for a European final<br /><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/who-scored-blog/2015/may/06/europa-league-semi-final-previews-sevilla-fiorentina-napoli-dnipro" title="">• Guardian Sport Network: Europa League semi-final previews</a><p>You have to feel sorry for any club who have Rafael Benítez as their manager, goes the old joke, it must cost a fortune to travel all over Europe to those finals.</p><p>The joke has a point. There was the triumphant 2004 Uefa Cup final during his time at Valencia. After that, there were the two Champions League finals during his six seasons at Liverpool, evenly split between victory and defeat. And during those six months at Chelsea, despite the opprobrium of the fans, he led the club to <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2013/may/15/benfica-chelsea-europa-league">their first success in the Europa League</a>.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2015/may/07/napoli-rafa-benitez-europa-league-semi-final-dnipro">Continue reading...</a>Rafael BenítezNapoliEuropa LeagueFootballSportThu, 07 May 2015 09:00:10 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2015/may/07/napoli-rafa-benitez-europa-league-semi-final-dniproPhotograph: Carlo Hermann/AFP/Getty ImagesNapoli's Rafael Benítez is trying to become the first manager to win the Europa League or Uefa Cup with three different clubs. Photograph: Carlo Hermann/AFP/Getty ImagesPhotograph: Carlo Hermann/AFP/Getty ImagesNapoli's Rafael Benítez is trying to become the first manager to win the Europa League or Uefa Cup with three different clubs. Photograph: Carlo Hermann/AFP/Getty ImagesIan McCourt and Andy Hunter2015-05-07T09:00:10ZNapoli start to flounder with Rafael Benítez facing rotation criticism – again | Paolo Bandinihttps://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2015/mar/16/rafael-benitez-napoli-start-to-flounder-serie-a
Owner Aurelio De Laurentiis should shoulder some blame but the Spaniard should have been able to guide this squad to a comfortable top-three finish<br />• <a href="http://preview.gutools.co.uk/football/2015/mar/16/napoli-verona-serie-a-rafael-benitez" title="">Serie A roundup</a><br />• <a href="http://preview.gutools.co.uk/football/2015/mar/14/palermo-juventus-serie-a-match-report" title="">Juventus edge closer to title</a><p>Rafa Benítez has heard worse insults during his three-decade-long coaching career. “Ciccione! Ciccione! Ciccione!” cried Verona’s supporters as he stalked the touchline at the Bentegodi on Sunday. It is the same nickname by which José Mourinho sometimes refers to him in conversations with the Italian press and might best be translated as tubby.</p><p>Such jibes seem unlikely to cut all that deep with Benítez, who has joked readily enough about his own eating habits down the years. Naples, besides, cannot be an easy place for any manager to stay trim. This is a city where the locals show their affection by creating a pizza – well, kinda – <a href="http://www.napolimagazine.com.cn/in-evidenza/foto-napoli-al-vomero-ecco-la-pizza-benitez-193952" title="">with your face on it</a>. Indeed, Benítez’s appetite might have helped him to secure the Napoli job in the first place. The club’s owner, Aurelio De Laurentiis, noted approvingly of his first meeting with the Spaniard that, “it was as if we had known each other for ever, he made me eat a sea of fried potatoes”.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2015/mar/16/rafael-benitez-napoli-start-to-flounder-serie-a">Continue reading...</a>Serie ARafael BenítezNapoliEuropean club footballFootballSportMon, 16 Mar 2015 12:25:10 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2015/mar/16/rafael-benitez-napoli-start-to-flounder-serie-aPhotograph: Felice Calabro'/APPhotograph: Felice Calabro'/APPaolo Bandini2015-03-16T12:25:10ZLiverpool v Chelsea: five flashpoints from a modern football rivalry | Dominic Fifieldhttps://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2015/jan/19/liverpool-chelsea-five-flashpoints-capital-one-cup-semi-final-jose-mourinho
<p>With the sides renewing a stormy relationship in the Capital One Cup semi-final on Tuesday, a look back at key fixtures where Merseysiders have seen red and Londoners have turned the air blue<br><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/jan/19/jose-mourinho-steven-gerrard-chelsea-liverpool">• José Mourinho admits regret at failing to lure Steven Gerrard</a></p><p>Games between Chelsea and Liverpool have always had their own particular needle, with collisions invariably feisty, but the hostility between the two clubs and their supporters rose to new levels on the appointments of <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2004/jun/02/newsstory.chelsea">José Mourinho</a> and <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2004/may/27/newsstory.sport4">Rafael Benítez</a> back in the summer of 2004. This was the old order against the <em>nouveaux riches</em> and familiarity has helped to breed contempt, with 37 meetings in domestic and European competitions in the period since. There have been a League Cup final, three Champions League semi-finals and a last eight European fixture, alongside FA Cup semis and a final and pivotal league clashes. Here are five of the more memorable in a rivalry which will be resumed in the Capital One Cup on Tuesday:</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2015/jan/19/liverpool-chelsea-five-flashpoints-capital-one-cup-semi-final-jose-mourinho">Continue reading...</a>LiverpoolChelseaCapital One CupJosé MourinhoBrendan RodgersRafael BenítezFootballSportMon, 19 Jan 2015 19:13:12 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2015/jan/19/liverpool-chelsea-five-flashpoints-capital-one-cup-semi-final-jose-mourinhoPhotograph: Peter Byrne/PA Archive/Press Association ImagesLiverpool's Steven Gerrard during the pivotal 2014 game against Chelsea which dented his side's hopes of the league title. Photograph: Peter Byrne/PA Archive/Press Association ImagesPhotograph: Peter Byrne/PA Archive/Press Association ImagesLiverpool's Steven Gerrard during the pivotal 2014 game against Chelsea which dented his side's hopes of the league title. Photograph: Peter Byrne/PA Archive/Press Association ImagesDominic Fifield2015-01-19T19:13:12ZWhat next for Newcastle? Four questions to set St James’ talking | Louise Taylorhttps://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2014/dec/29/newcastle-questions-alan-pardew-frank-de-boer
Peter Beardsley could be a stop-gap after Alan Pardew’s departure to Crystal Palace but Frank de Boer is a better long-term bet<br /><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/dec/29/alan-pardew-newcastle-leave-crystal-palace" title="">• Alan Pardew tells Newcastle he wants to leave</a><p>As Mike Ashley, Newcastle United’s owner, ups his vitamin D levels in Barbados he has much to ponder. Foremost among the dilemmas he must confront is precisely how to deal with life after Alan Pardew.</p><p>Ashley’s staff in Newcastle spent early Monday maintaining that everything was business as usual with Pardew – who, like his players, enjoyed a day off – scheduled to hold a press conference on Tuesday lunchtime regarding the home game against Burnley on New Year’s Day. Behind the scenes the sports retail tycoon was playing long-distance hardball during compensation talks with Crystal Palace. By the time Burnley’s team coach pulls up outside St James’ Park, the Premier League landscape will have altered quite dramatically and the hunt for a new Newcastle manager should be well under way.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2014/dec/29/newcastle-questions-alan-pardew-frank-de-boer">Continue reading...</a>Alan PardewNewcastle UnitedMike AshleyRafael BenítezTony PulisSteve BruceTim SherwoodFootballSportMon, 29 Dec 2014 21:18:49 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2014/dec/29/newcastle-questions-alan-pardew-frank-de-boerPhotograph: Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty ImagesFrank de Boer has called Newcastle a 'sleeping giant' and Mike Ashley is not averse to appointing a foreign manager. Photograph: Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty ImagesPhotograph: Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty ImagesFrank de Boer has called Newcastle a 'sleeping giant' and Mike Ashley is not averse to appointing a foreign manager. Photograph: Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty ImagesLouise Taylor2014-12-29T21:18:49ZNapoli suffering identity crisis as Palermo draw deepens gloom | Paolo Bandinihttps://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2014/sep/25/napoli-palermo-rafael-benitez-champions-league-serie-a
Rafael Benítez’s team are out of the Champions League and have taken just four points from their first four games in Serie A<p>“In Serie A, anyone can win or lose against anybody else,” claimed Dani Osvaldo after scoring in Inter’s 2-0 victory over Atalanta on Wednesday night. In his defence, he would not yet have had the chance to watch highlights of Juventus’s game against Cesena.</p><p>The champions rested Carlos Tevez, Paul Pogba and Kwadwo Asamoah against their newly-promoted opponents, and still strolled to a 3-0 triumph. Along the way, they became the first team in league history to win its first four games of a season without conceding a single goal. They equalled another record by notching their 21st consecutive home victory in the Italian top-flight.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2014/sep/25/napoli-palermo-rafael-benitez-champions-league-serie-a">Continue reading...</a>Serie ANapoliEuropean club footballFootballJuventusRafael BenítezThu, 25 Sep 2014 10:23:05 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2014/sep/25/napoli-palermo-rafael-benitez-champions-league-serie-aPhotograph: Carlo Hermann/AFP/Getty ImagesNapoli's Dries Mertensn, left, and Jonathan De Guzman leave the field after the 3-3 draw with Palermo. Photograph: Carlo Hermann/AFP/Getty ImagesPhotograph: Carlo Hermann/AFP/Getty ImagesNapoli's Dries Mertensn, left, and Jonathan De Guzman leave the field after the 3-3 draw with Palermo. Photograph: Carlo Hermann/AFP/Getty ImagesPaolo Bandini2014-09-25T10:23:05Z